Introduction
I had written multiple times about this exciting game on the Hive blockchain. It is not an easy job to run a game on the blockchain, more so, to make it fun. The Splinterlands team had done just that. Not only is the game cool to play, but the economy supporting the game is fantabulous!!
Now, the game is fantastic because of its many digital cards that can be used to play and the fact that the card itself has substantial intrinsic value. I had written about the game and the value it adds to the players, besides the fun part. Those interested can read the article below.
Splinterlands | A Great Game | A Great Investment
So, now let's jump to the fun part of the game. Today we will look at one of the numerous cards that are available in the game. The card that we will be looking at is the Twisted Jester. It happens to be one of my favourite cards in the Death Splinter which works very well in low mana battles as well as high mana battles.
The card's versatility to be used in any form of battle is what impresses me the most, and we will see the reason for that shortly. But before we jump in to discuss the Twister Jester and many battle strategies, let's understand a bit about Splinterlands.
I am sure that would help the newbies and those wanting to play the game. Shall we then?
Let's do it.
What Game is Splinterlands?
Well, it is one of the earliest blockchain-based collectible games. Though I started playing the game quite late, on hindsight, I should have had got going early. Anyway, no need to despair, there is so many opportunities no matter when you start.
Splinterlands is a digital card game which allows you to collect, trade, battle, rent and even earn on the cards. It is one of the most generous games that I have seen where cards, potions, Dark Energy Crystals (DEC. Cryptocurrency) are given out every day to thousands of players for just playing and winning daily quests. And there are tournaments or guilds that you can join.
Just to give you an idea of few of the uber-expensive cards, take a look at this recent purchase of Prince Julian at USD 3500.
Card Purchase Contract: Gold Foil Prince Julian
Did you go to the link and see for yourself? I hope you did. And I hope that gives an overview of the game. I just love the game, and those interested can go to Splinterlands' site and join. If you want a link to join, I will leave one at the end of the article which you can use.
Scroll down, quick. 😊
Twisted Jester – The Raging Ranged Attacker
Twisted Jester is a ranged attack monster and the one that can fit easily into any game plan because of its four mana cost. The four mana cost means that it can easily fit into the rules where only monsters and summoners with four mana cost and below are allowed. As such, the card is available across a broad spectrum of the game rules.
Not only the card's availability but its impressive stats are also worth mentioning. The card has an attack value of two which classifies it in the strong- attackers category. It is also one of the few cards which have a health value equal to the mana cost. That means you are getting your bang for the buck!
All these details make the Twisted Jester a very competitive card in your range of attackers. That's all great, but you want to see the card in action, don't you?
Yes, you do. Let's find out how it fares in battle. 😊
Twisted Jester in Action
The Twisted Jester has the snipe ability, which means it will attack ranged, magic and no-attack monsters in any position other than the first. This augurs well, as most of the other attack monsters are focused only on the first position, and therefore, are pummelled by the opposition.
Also, as mentioned earlier, the Twisted Jester works well in less than four mana-cost battle category. So, let's look at a battle in this category rather than a regular fight.
Screen 1: The Twisted Jester Playing the Minnow Game
So, in the ensuing battle, the only rule was to select monsters with four mana cost or less. And here is my selection.
My team is in the lower part of the screen under the player name "OIVAS". Let's look at each of my warriors.
Postion 1: Animated Corpse
Well, the choice is obvious for a four or less than four mana cost. The Animated Corpse happens to be the best choice with a health value of six. It also has an attack value of two. The combination makes it a tank in the minnow world and one of the best choices for the numero uno position.
I guess, in the absence of a sub-four self-healing monster, barring the Cerberus from the Fire Splinter, the Animated Corpse forms the best option.
Position 2: Horny Toad
The Horny Toad is the next selection for its ability to attack from the second position despite its low health value. It is a bit of a gamble, as the opponent's monsters targeting the second position could easily take out the Horny Toad.
I hope that it survives and hopefully, attacks before any of the opponent's monsters. Though with a speed of two, an unlikely possibility.
Position 3: Death Elemental
Death Elemental is the only magic monster in my league. It is a reasonably decent monster for a minnow war and holds on its own to hit vital opposition monsters with or without a shield.
An excellent addition to the team!
Position 4: Haunted Spider
The Haunted Spider is the first of my ranged attack monsters. It has an attack value of two, which is pretty neat for a beast which only costs three mana. The only disadvantage is its speed and health value. I can only hope that the opposition does not target the Haunted Spider because if they did, then the Spider wouldn't stand too many attacks.
Position 5: Twisted Jester
Here comes the hero of today's discussion. The Twisted Jester is one that tries to occupy the most in the given restrictions. I mean, with a mana cap of four, it is one monster that costs four mana as much as has a health value of four; not to mention its snipe ability as much as an attack value of two.
Position 6: Dark Astronomer
I call this card the evil twin of the Twisted Jester and I end up always using them in a combo. Take a look at the stats, and you will see a virtual copy of the Twisted Jester. The only difference is in the speed where the Jester is faster, and hence, the first of the two to attack.
All that I said of the Twisted Jester as a good selection for this battle applies for the Dark Astronomer too.
Opponent's Choice
The opponent has a couple of monsters which are the same as mine. The others are different, though. My only opinion is the choice of the Shadow card. If in a low mana cost battle we are not going to have all attackers, then the chances are that we will lose. You either select, hard-hitting monsters along with the Shadow or select all attacking monsters with average attack value.
Here my only submission is that the opponent's monsters have lesser than my attack value and then the Shadow card takes up (wastes) one position. Agreed, it will reduce my monsters' health value, but what if it is taken down first?
We will have to wait and see. So, let's jump into the battle and see what happens.
Screen 2: The Fight Begins
As the battle began, the continuous flow of attacks from my monsters takes down the opponent's melee attacker sooner than I had thought. The Animated Corpse does the work of a mini-tank quite well. It is still standing.
Well, my tank does succumb but not before taking down two more monsters. Of course, in all this note that the Twisted Jester motors on and remains unaffected. That is pretty crazy.
With that, the writing is on the wall for the opponent. So, my guess was right, the opponent's choice of monsters was found wanting especially with my Twisted Jester and its evil twin, the Dark Astronomer.
Screen 3: The Face-Off Ends
And the hero of our discussion, the Twisted Jester, makes it to position one as if to say *** "there, I got it done for you." *** Doesn't it appear so? It does, indeed.
And guess, who is in the supporting role? The Twisted Jester's evil twin, the Dark Astronomer. With that, we bid farewell to the opponent.
Do I Choose the Twisted Jester Always?
If the battle involves the Dark Splinter, then the Twisted Jester is an obvious choice for its attack value. However, high mana cost usually allows me to choose the heavy hitters like Undead Rexx, Octopider, Phantom Soldier, Boogeyman and likes. If there is still space, for sure the Twisted Jester is there and even the Dark Astronomer.
In case of low mana battles, including the one we just saw, the Jester does not need an invitation. It is an obvious and real choice. In fact, more than 90% of my battles will have the Jester. The only place where I wouldn't have the Jester is where the rule does not allow ranged attackers.
Which Other Strategy Allows the Use of the Twisted Jester?
In addition to all the points mentioned above, the Health Equalizer rule is another situation where the Jester is an apt choice. Not only do I get all the advantages of the Jester that we just discussed, but also enhanced health. How cool is that?
So, while choosing the Death Splinter under the Health Equalizer rule, the Twisted Jester is an obvious choice.
How Does the Jester Level Up?
The Jester levels up quite strong. At level 8, its highest level, the Jester is faster at a speed of four and has a better health value of six. However, the best part is its attack value of four. Can you imagine that? A monster with a mana of four has an attack value of four! That is for sure cool.
Not only that but also the level eight Jester is available for USD 12. Which mean, it does not take much to have a strong attacker like the Jester to have its best of abilities.
Besides, the Jester also gets the Dodge ability along with the Snipe ability which it already has. It is a perfect combination.
So, What Is Your Opinion?
While I am asking your opinion, I am also suggesting that you give the Jester a good chance in your team. The possibilities are that you will like it and love to include it in your group.
So, hope you enjoy playing Splinterlands and more so, using the Jester when playing with the Death Splinter!! 😊
Want to Join Splinterlands?
You can click below and follow the link. All the best!
Image Courtesy: Splinterlands